Zero-Energy Home

New home construction has finally advanced to the point of creating “Zero-Energy” homes.  A Zero-Energy home produces as much energy as the occupants consume. 

Mlive.com recently ran an indepth article detailing the construction features of such a home.  The full article can be read here.  A few of the highlights included…

“Little additional input is needed from a heating or cooling unit.  Much of the heat is generated from lighting fixtures, waste heat thrown off by mechanical equipment and appliances, and even by the warm bodies living in the house.”

“These types of homes call for insulation levels that exceed the minimum required in conventional homes.  New materials on the market, like structural insulated panels and insulated concrete forms make these insulation goals possible.”